Following his acclaimed Mariinsky DVD of the final three symphonies, Valery Gergiev conducts outstanding performances of the earlier works with the LSO.

Tchaikovsky's early symphonies are full of rich expressive melodies – something for which he had a natural talent. They contain influences of Russian nationalism and folk tunes, particularly in the Second Symphony ('Little Russian') and the First, which hints at a Russian landscape. The choreographer George Balanchine exploited the dance-like nature of the Third Symphony by using it as the basis for the final part of his ballet masterpiece, Jewels.

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Reviews

***** ‘… back in the Russian repertory that he knows so well, and to which he responds more vividly than perhaps any other conductor alive today, Gergiev is once again irresistible … The LSO's playing is consistently outstanding, too.’ The Guardian (UK)

‘Balletic is the word for this new set from Valery Gergiev and the London Symphony Orchestra issued on the LSO Live label. Everything is full-bodied, as if accompanying bodies in motion. Movement introductions are slow and attention-getting; main tempos tend to be leisurely (though not the First’s Allegro maestoso finale); scherzos are delicate, folk rhythms lilting. It all sounds fresh and rethought, with individual instruments afforded plenty of space, especially the ripe, pungent winds' Boston Globe (US)

‘… Valery Gergiev and the LSO inject new life into the rich and expressive earlier works. Recorded live in London and Zurich, these compelling performances come highly recommended.’ Northern Echo (UK)

***** Recording of the Month 'I was entranced from beginning to end by the panache, finesse and imagination ... This is a set where everything seems to go right in terms of sound, interpretation and playing. I’ll be very surprised if it’s not on my list of 2012 favourites' Limelight (Australia)

‘It is LSO Live’s policy to exclude applause. However, given the infectious quality of the music-making, you may feel inclined to append your own.’ Gramophone (UK)

‘Gergiev's interpretations are among the most satisfying I've encountered and, especially in their SACD form, are superior in sound quality to many of the older accounts’ Fanfare (US)

Concert Reviews

‘Gergiev’s inspired handling did raise the question of why programme planners do not more frequently offer this charming piece in preference to yet another Pathétique. What astonishes most about Gergiev’s conducting is that the results are as precise as they are’ Evening Standard (UK)

‘a beguiling performance of Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony … the scintillating Scherzo was irresistible. This is clearly a cycle not to be missed’ The Guardian (UK)